Recruitment group CPL has reported pre-tax profits of €4.5m for the six months to the end of December, a 17% increase on the same period a year earlier.
Revenue in the period rose by 28% to €142.7m and earnings per share were 20% higher at 10.9 cent. A 20% higher interim dividend of three cent is to be paid.
CPL said, however, that the economic uncertainty in Ireland and its other markets had not abated in the six-month period, and trading conditions were still tough.
CPL said its fees from permanent placements had risen by more than 16%, while fees from temporary placements were up 24%.
The company said it did not expect its main markets to grow significantly in the near future, and it was not possible to forecast its future performance with any certainty.
CPL shares closed 3.8% higher at €2.70 in Dublin this evening.
